Residents across Westminster who currently receive a ‘Meals on Wheels’ service through a Council contractor, Sodexo, have been left worried and confused about changes that will see the contract ended and not renewed on September 30th.

The Council has written to residents explaining that by the end of September they will be able to ‘choose from a menu of options’ but have provided little clarity on how this will work.

From the start of June residents have been receiving phone calls from social workers that in some cases, rather than providing reassurance, have led to a number of residents contacting councillors and Karen Buck MP very concerned that they, their friends or relatives won’t get the help with meals that they need after September.

One resident described being told to try contacting cold ready meal providers Oakhouse and Wiltshire Farm Foods or Apetito (who don’t deliver hot meals in Westminster) and even told to try Uber Eats and Deliveroo. There was no suggestion that a direct alternative to delivering a hot meal every day was available as an option for residents.

Westminster Labour supports greater variety and choice for residents provided it doesn’t cost more or create additional burdens for the vulnerable elderly, but whatever happens there needs to be clarity.

Westminster Labour Group Leader Cllr Adam Hug said “There needs to be urgent clarity from Westminster Council about what exactly their plans for are for meals on wheels when the current contract ends in September.

If Westminster is not going to provide this service for the elderly which many rely on, there needs to be urgent clarity on how they will ensure all residents, particularly the most vulnerable, are able to get regular hot meals. They need to ensure all residents are not left paying more or forced to cook ready meals if this would not be practical or desirable for them. The Council must also ensure that these changes don’t lead to even greater social isolation.”